Australian Football

Bernard 'Barney' Murphy joined the Carlton football club in 1876 after distinguishing himself as a player at Xavier College. Murphy proved himself a reliable and popular player for the 'dark blues' over ensuing years, forming part of the Carlton ruck team (albeit he was just a touch over 11 st, or 70 kg) as well as teaming with his 'pal' George Coulthard in initiating many forward thrusts from half back. The 'Footballer' of 1877 described him thus: "An excellent all round player, light, but full of vigor, a splendid change follower, sometimes over-anxious when too far forward", the latter defect being remedied as he matured as a player. 

Murphy excelled at a wide range of sports, including running, cricket, rowing, and cycling, but none more so than boxing, in which sphere he and his teammate Coulthard sparred with the touring world middleweight champion Jem Mace.

Author - Adam Cardosi